My Logitech MX300 which I got back in 2003 for ~$20 (with today's conversion rates) still works perfectly. I love the shape, it has a scroll wheel and three easy-to-reach buttons and responds fine. I use it for both my desktop and laptop.
While I have a G15 keyboard for my desktop, I really don't see the point of an expensive 'gaming' mouse. The only major differences in my opinion are the mousemats. I prefer plain, flat ones at that. As long as it's optical and has a wire attached, you'll survive.
As for losing my mouse pointer, that's only happened when fullscreen programs sometimes cause the mouse to disappear from screen, and I wave it about until it reappears. Haven't lost a visible pointer yet, luckily.
And how the hell can you destroy your mice? If you keep throwing them at walls or something, you seriously need to consider working on your anger management. Sounds completely retarded to me.
Hmm? My mice just wear out from wear and tear. Also, since I'm at college, I tend to have to pack them up in my backpack quickly and head out somewhere. So far, the problem I'm noticing with most of them is the left clicker. It just starts getting to where you have to click a certain way (as in, press down in this spot instead of this one), eventually. (mind you this is after like a year or so). It's probably due to the rough handing while I'm heading around campus.
As for my mice, I just use generic ones. Whatever's the cheapest. Right now, I happen to have
two of these.. Though, the ones I have are actually older versions of that mouse. I can play Wolfenstein ET quite fine with them. I may be losing out on a bit of accuracy here and there, but I honestly don't care, since I'm good enough at it regardless.
I also have this little portable corded mouse that came with my ASUS laptop. That one wore out after about 10-11 months of use (hardcore shooting games inside classrooms, etc.). >_>;
... On that note, why has this topic suddenly went into mouse discussion? Originally wasn't it about losing your pointer............
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